P. Bharathiraja is popular for his versatility as a Tamil director. Throughout his career he experimented with filmmaking and the various genres of films. Some of the popular films of Bharathiraja are Muthal Mariyathai, Karuththamma, Alaigal Oyvadhillai, Mann Vaasanai, Vedham Pudhithu, Kizhakku Cheemaiyile and Anthimanthaarai. This ace director has made film in more than one language.
Early Life of P. Bharathiraja
Bharathiraja was born in Alli Nagaram on 17 July 1941. He is married to Chandra Leelavathi and they have two children - son Manoj (the hero of `Taj Mahal`) and daughter Janani Iswariya.
Career of P. Bharathiraja
Bharathiraja started his career as an assistant director to P. Pullaiya and Puttanna Kanagal. His directorial debut happened in 1977 with 16 Vayathinile. Bharathiraja wrote both the story and the script for the film. This film broke all the rules in which villages were often portrayed in society. In his movie the village people were presented as they really are. This film brought national recognition for Bharathiraja. The film was a runaway hit. Besides these he has directed a number of films in his career as a Tamil director.
These films are:
| Bommalattam (2008) | Pudhu Nellu Puddhu Nathu (1991) | Yuvadharam Bilisindi (1985) | Red Rose (1980) |
| Kangalal Kaithu Sei (2004) | En Uyir Thozhan (1990) | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1984) | Kotha Jeevithalu (1980) |
| Kadal Pookal | Kodi Parakuthu (1989) | Lovers (1983) | Nizhalgal (1980) |
| Taj Mahal | Jamadagni (1988) | Man Vasanai (1983) | Kallukkul Eeram (1980) |
| Anthimanthaarai (1996) | Aradhana (1987) | Pudumai Penn (1983) | Niram Maaratha Pookkal (1979) |
| Karuththamma (1995) | Vedham Pudhithu (1987) | Kathal Ovium (1982) | Puthiya Vaarpugal (1979) |
| Pasumponn (1995) | Kadolara Kavithaigal (1986) | Seethakoka Chilaka (1981) | Solva Sawan (1979) |
| Kizhaaku Seemayile (1993) | Saveray Wali Gaadi (1986) | Tik Tik Tik (1981) | Yerra Gulabi (1979) |
| Captain Magal (1992) | Ee Tharam Illalu (1985) | Valibamey Vaa Vaa (1982) | Sigappu Rojakkal (1978) |
| Nadodi Thendral (1992) | Muthal Mariyathai (1985) | Alaigal Ooivathilai (1981) | Kizhake Pogum Rail (1978) |
An award winning director, Bharathiraja introduced a number of talented actors to Indian cinema. These film personalities are Sridevi, Bhagyaraj, Rati Agnihotri, Radhika, Vijayashanti, Revathi, Manivannan, Raja, Rekha, Pandiyan, Karthik, Manoj Bharathiraja, Nizhalgal Ravi, Rohini, Radha, Sudhakar, Suganya, Ruthra, Rahul, Ranjitha, Riya Sen, Uma Shankari and Priyamani.